There are exciting times ahead for Grizzlies fans, but one key priority must be addressed this offseason. The Grizzlies simply have to boost the frontcourt depth behind Zach Edey. It can be addressed in plenty of ways, but there is a very obvious trade target emerging. With Jalen Duren's latest playoff struggles for the Pistons, the Grizzlies should strongly consider trading for Paul Reed.
The Detroit Pistons won 60 games in the regular season and were led to the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference by Cade Cunningham. Unfortunately, despite the team currently being in the second round, co-star Jalen Duren has struggled significantly for the Pistons, and the team has performed better in Paul Reed's limited playoff minutes.
However, Paul Reed is arguably being underutilized, and it could end up costing the Pistons a deeper playoff run. Given his lack of playing time despite Duren's struggles, the Grizzlies would be wise to take advantage of the situation and explore a trade for him.
A potential Grizzlies trade for Paul Reed deserves more discussion
Not long ago, the Grizzlies were mentioned as a part of a potential three-team trade that would have sent Kawhi Leonard to the Detroit Pistons. In relation to the Grizzlies, they ended up giving up a 2031 second-round pick and receiving Paul Reed as a part of the deal. Even though the price to get Reed could be different now, he is still an option that is worth exploring.
Paul Reed has one year left on his current deal and will make $5.6 million next season. At such a low cost, it feels like a no-brainer frontcourt upgrade for the Grizzlies to make. Even though the Grizzlies should be able to significantly boost the roster talent in the 2026 NBA Draft, Reed has six seasons of NBA experience and could be a strong option to back up Zach Edey.
In 65 regular season games, including 11 starts, Paul Reed averaged 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.8 stocks (steals and blocks). Reed has produced in his limited minutes and was instrumental in the Pistons' Game 6 comeback against the Orlando Magic round one. Despite losing Games 3 and 4 to the Cavs, Reed has provided double-digit scoring, and the team looks better with him.
Having more answers to the non-Edey minutes should boost the Grizzlies' floor significantly, and Reed is a solution that shouldn't be overly expensive. It also helps that Reed has looked comfortable in a playoff basketball setting, something the Grizzlies will need as their rebuild progresses.
The Grizzlies have a ton of future flexibility and will also have to clear mutliple roster spots to sign this summer's draft picks. However, if the opportunity presents itself, the Grizzlies should be all in on trading for Paul Reed this summer.
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